What is the price for a camping spot on the East Coast?

By Leon Compton and Tim Walker

The time honoured ritual of packing the car up with fishing rods, surf boards, family and friends, and heading to the East Coast for a spot of camping may become a more expensive exercise in the near future. But no one can say what the cost will be.

Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service will not comment on the proposed fees scheme for recreational camping areas in the Bay of Fires.

A media spokesperson for the organisation has said that the service cannot provide details surrounding the proposal, other than to say it will be implemented by 2015.

Concern has been expressed that the area from Humbug Point right through to The Gardens, on the Bay of Fires, will attract camping fees, after the government upgraded facilities.

The Minister responsible, Brian Wightman, announced the fees two months ago, but placed a moratorium on their introduction until 2015.

The following statements were received from the ministers office.

"Over the past few years, the Tasmanian Government has invested nearly a million dollars on upgrading toilets and other facilities at campsites on the East Coast."

"Camping fees can help maintain the quality and consistency of camping sites, so visitors to parks and reserves know what to expect at a paid, as compared to a free site."

"However, given that this has been an important camping area for Tasmanians for many years, in September I placed a moratorium on the introduction of fees."

Mayor for Break O'Day Council, Sarah Schmerl, has told Statewide Mornings presenter Leon Compton that they don't have any detailed information, and the council voted to seek further information from the Minister's office.

The Mayor expressed concern over the lack of consultation with both the council and the broader community.

"It does appear that the state government wishes to move towards a user pays system."

"The majority of people don't want to see any change, they do not want to see any fees introduced into this area."

"The retail sector, particularly in St Helens, relies heavily on campers, and we don't want anything done that would deter people from wanting to visit and stay in our area."

While the Parks and Wildlife Service will not comment on the proposed policy, Regional Manager North, Chris Colley has spoken at a Council workshop at the Mayor's invitation, but was unable to give details on any proposed fee structure.

Listen to Mayor Sarah Schmerl speaking with Leon Compton, to hear the Break O'Day Council resolution from their regular meeting on Monday 18th November.

Would a fee for camping in the region of the Bay of Fires affect you? Should users pay, or will it impact unfairly on those who cannot easily afford a holiday?